Watch above: After a slew of alleged taxi assaults this year, the province is adopting new measures to keep cab riders safe. In the next few weeks, taxi drivers across the province will have to undergo backgrounds checks if they want to obtain or upkeep their permits. But as Global’s sarah volstad reports, its the cost that has people talking.
MONTREAL – All taxi drivers in the province will have to undergo a criminal background check before they are allowed to obtain or maintain a taxi permit.
Mayor Denis Coderre and Transport Minister Robert Poëti made the announcement on Sunday.
The legislation will be put into action as of December 1 for new taxi drivers and as of January 1, 2015, for drivers renewing their permits.
Read more: What can Montreal do to increase taxi safety?
It is up to the taxi drivers to bear the $105 fee for the background check every two years upon renewal of their license.
Watch: Billy Shields reports on the issues facing taxi safety in the city.
Mayor Coderre said it will be “zero tolerance” for drivers who do not have their checks done by the given dates; they will not be able to obtain or renew their permits.
The decision comes after a number of women came forward with accusations of sexual assault and harassment by cab drivers.
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